Susanne Schulz-Falster Catalogue Fifteen

numbers, or playing just before the draw – and gives advice on how to
maximise winnings. Those who lose money at lotteries he advises to see
themselves as patriots, since lotteries are state-run, the state’s coffers will
always benefit. The city of Augsburg had admitted lotteries with improved
rules in 1768.
II. First edition of this outspoken argument against playing the lottery,
part of the counter-movement forbidding lotteries, which was the result
of manipulation, abuse, fraud and criminal activities. The jurist Zwackh
(1756–1843), who is best known for his involvement in the Munich freemasons,
the Illuminaten, argues that the odds are always stacked against the
individual. With careful probability calculations he demonstrates how overoptimistic
lottery enthusiasts are, when they delude themselves into believing
they have a chance. He dismisses various strategies in playing lotto,
again with reference to the rules of probability. He gives some information
on the lotteries in different countries, and reports that lotteries are already
being outlawed in some parts of the country.
Both works are a clear indication of the persistent attraction of gambling
in society, providing the population with entertainment and excitement,
and the distant opportunity of becoming rich and happy.
I. OCLC locates just one copy at Berlin; II. Holzmann-Bohatta 6291, not found
in OCLC or KVK.
susanne schulz-falster rare books